Entertainment
Scene Calendar: New Year’s Eve celebrations in Gainesville, live music, the Flying Pig Parade
THIS WEEK
Winter Wonderland Gainesville Grand Finale
Winter Wonderland Gainesville is set to host its Grand Finale, taking place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Dec. 27-29 in Gainesville. The festive event culminates the season with a special experience featuring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. Winter Wonderland offers a sparkling array of holiday lights, seasonal attractions and entertainment suitable for all ages. This year’s Grand Finale enhances the experience with exclusive interactions, including photo opportunities, story sessions, and personalized greetings from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Visitors can explore the illuminated pathways, enjoy live performances, and partake in festive activities throughout the Grand Finale weekend. The highlight of the event is the special Santa and Mrs. Claus experience, where children can share their holiday wishes and receive personalized messages, making it a cherished tradition for many families. In addition to the main attractions, Winter Wonderland Gainesville will feature local vendors offering seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts. Safety measures and crowd management protocols will be in place to ensure a joyous and secure environment for all attendees. Tickets for the Grand Finale start at $15 and are available at winterwonderlandfl.com. The event is held at 5201 NW 34th Blvd.
The Flying Pig Parade
Organizers say the inaugural Flying Pig Parade was a huge success when it marched through downtown Gainesville last December. Two-thousand attendees were able to see giant puppets, off-beat bands and a dozen dancing dinosaurs. The colorful procession will strut again beginning at 2 p.m. Dec. 28. “The Pig” has much in common with the immensely popular King Mango Strut parade in Coconut Grove. More than 50 groups marched last year. Sixty are expected for Pig Part Two. Early entries include Sgt. Pepper’s Heart Throb Band, Pigs in a Blanket and The Florida State Park Whistle Blowers Brigade. The procession will begin on Southeast First Street and will march south to the Hippodrome Theater. It will then take a few turns, and end up back at the plaza. Like last year, organizers say they will celebrate Bo Diddley’s birthday (Dec. 30) in Bo Diddley Plaza after the parade. That will kick off at 3 p.m. with cake, live music and more.
Sparks in the Park
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Depot Park, 870 SE Fourth St., beginning at 5 p.m. Bring blankets or chairs and find a spot in the park to enjoy the last sunset of 2024 while a DJ hosts a family friendly dance party throughout the entire park. At 6:30 p.m., the fun continues with a 20-minute musically choreographed fireworks show over the main pond. Following the fireworks display, neighbors are invited to enjoy dinner, drinks, festivities and all that downtown has to offer. The event is free, though some food and items will be sold as well. For more information, visit gainesvillefl.gov/Events-directory/Sparks-in-the-Park-2024.
Spark Wonder
Reflect, celebrate and anticipate the new year from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Cade. Watch Depot Park’s fireworks show from the comfort of the museum’s panoramic galleries with a drink and snacks in hand. Savor the last day of 2024 with games, experiments, New Year’s resolutions, an alternate time zone countdown, a photo booth and more. Adult tickets come with one drink ticket to be used for soda, beer, or a glass of wine or champagne at the cash bar. Ticket sales for Spark Wonder support the Cade’s educational outreach programs. They cost $40 for adults, $30 for ages 5-17, and free for ages 4 and younger. For more information, visit cademuseum.org/event/spark-wonder. The Cade Museum is located at 811 S. Main St.
New Year’s Eve Diamond Disco Dance Party
Join Heartwood Soundstage for the third annual New Year’s Eve Dance Party with DJ A-Train — voted best DJ in Miami 2023 — beginning at 7 p.m. Dec. 31. DJ A-Train keeps the entire party moving with dance favorites from every decade. This year Heartwood has a new theme: Diamond Disco! Attendees are encouraged to rock their sparkly glam (especially silver) and follow the call of the disco ball. The event has a complimentary toast for everyone at midnight, and goes until 2 a.m. Bingo Deli, Grand Scheme Brewing and Humble Woodfire will be open their regular hours as well. Children ages 18 and younger are welcome at no charge, but it is a loud and late party, so parental discretion is advised. There are two tiers of tickets this year. General admission includes access to Heartwood’s outdoor bar, a specially curated seasonal cocktail, unlimited use of the photo booth, and dance floor. VIP admission includes everything available to general admission plus free drinks at the VIP bar from 9 p.m. to midnight, complimentary late-night pizza in the VIP lounge from Humble Woodfire, and an SMS party bag with a hangover prevention kit. VIP costs $85 per person or $150 for two tickets. General admission is $30 per person or $100 for a group of four. DJ A-Train (Aaron Canner) is a Gainesville-grown and now Miami-based artist. Voted Best DJ in Miami 2023, Canner travels the world playing clubs in Asia, Europe and America. He mixes classic dance songs from multiple decades into hypnotic, beat-driven tracks. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/heartwoodnye24.
Downtown Countdown
Rock out the old and ring in the new year beginning at 9:30 p.m. Dec. 31 in downtown Gainesville. Celebrate the new year with music at this annual favorite, located at Bo Diddley Plaza, 111 E. University Ave. The free concert will run until 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1. At the stroke of midnight, the sounds of noisemakers passed out to the audience earlier in the evening will chorus in 2025. For more information, visit gainesvillefl.org.
ONGOING
Sylvia Zerbini’s ‘Liberte’
Equestrian trainer and performing artist Sylvia Zerbiniis bringing her production, “Liberte,” back to her Liberte ́ Equestrian Theater in Williston now through April 2025. The former star and lead trainer of “Cavalia” has performed across the globe for millions of fans. Zerbini’s multidimensional equestrian voyage features more than a dozen horses and world-class equestrian theatrical performers. Blending awe-inspiring horsemanship with imaginative stagecraft, intricate choreography, high-flying aerial stunts, and multi-talented live musicians, this horse lover’s extravaganza expands the definition of equestrian performance into a theatrical experience. Weekly performances will be held every Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. with both general seating, and VIP upgraded options that include food, beverages and a backstage tour. Located at the Grande Liberté Farms at 18550 NE 81st St. in Williston, the Liberte ́ Equestrian Theater offers an indoor theatrical experience. Tickets start at $35 and are available through SylviaZerbini.com or ordered directly on EventBrite.com.
COMING SOON
‘Human Trafficking: Finding Freedom’
First Presbyterian Church is presenting its series titled “Concert for a Cause.” For the next concert in the series — “Human Trafficking: Finding Freedom,” set for 4 p.m. Jan. 12 — music director Mitch Rorick pulled together Dance Alive National Ballet and Anew, along with Brazilian choreographer Cristina Helena. Helena is highly regarded by the government of Brazil as well as the world’s dance community. A representative to UNESCO, Helena has seen sexual trafficking in both Brazil and Africa. Join Dance Alive National Ballet, Anew, and First Presbyterian Church Festival Chorus and instrumentalists for a concert highlighting the struggle, freedom finding, and the journey to restoration for those impacted by human trafficking. The reality of sex trafficking: Florida ranks No. 3 for reported sex trafficking in the United States. In addition to music and dance, Anew, an organization committed to reaching and restoring lives impacted by sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, will help tell the story. There is no charge for this program, but donations to Anew are welcomed. First Presbyterian Church is located at 106 SW Third Ave. For more information, visit anewflorida.com.
Pink Martini
A crowd favorite, Pink Martini will return to Gainesville to celebrate their 30th anniversary on a tour that promises to be packed with stylish fun. Drawing inspiration from all over the world — crossing genres from big band American jazz to old-fashioned French pop — the group tours the globe with their multilingual repertoire on a diplomatic mission to share a good time. The show also will feature China Forbes. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15, 2025, at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 to $60, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Pacifica Quartet
The Pacifica Quartet has established itself as one of the finest chamber ensembles to hit the stage. With their powerful energy and captivating sound, it is no wonder that this quartet has a career that spans nearly three decades and multiple Grammy Awards. Choose one performance or indulge in both distinct programs for an extraordinary experience of musical virtuosity at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 2025; and 2 p.m. Jan. 18, 2025, at the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $40 and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Cirque Kalabanté
Cirque Kalabanté features gravity-defying acrobatics and jaw-dropping displays of contortion and strength. Inspired by daily life in Guinea, this performance is designed to share the beauty, youth and artistry of West African culture. Founded by Guinean-born Cirque du Soleil veteran Yamoussa Bongoura, Kalabanté means “ambitious child with exceptional courage” in West African Sousou. Cirque Kalabanté lives up to its name, showcasing explosive drumming and dance, and extraordinary feats of daring for adults and kids alike. Catch a show at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21, 2025, at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $25 to $45, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information — including other upcoming performances at the Phillips Center — visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
‘What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s’
Dance Alive is set to present a new program, The Ballet Process. Choreographer Tales Ribeiro and dancers will include attendees on the journey as he creates a new work – “What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s” With “What Remains: A Story of Alzheimer’s,” what we love becomes eternal in our memory — but what happens when our memory is gone? When who we used to be also is gone? This is one story in which a fragment of memory, a moment of love, a treasure in time, is still there. Each “What Remains” experience includes a talk-back and refreshments. Ribeiro, recently promoted to principal dancer and company choreographer for Dance Alive National Ballet, is a recent member of International Dance Council CID, the official worldwide organization of all forms of dance. Among other benefits, he is able to offer International Certification to his students and nominate other persons for CID membership. Take part at 1 p.m. Jan. 24 at Pofahl Studios, located at 1325 NW Second St. For more information, call 371-2986 or email info@ dancealive.org.
Take 6, Nnenna Freelon and Clint Holmes
A supergroup forms for the brand-new show, “Withers to Wonder,” where famed multi-Grammy Award-winners Take 6 join forces with illustrious jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon and Vegas crooner Clint Holmes to celebrate the music of icons Bill Withers and Stevie Wonder. See the performance at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24, at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets run $35 to $55, and $12 for University of Florida students. For more information, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Geneva Lewis
Hailed as “clearly one to watch” by Musical America, violinist Geneva Lewis is at the forefront of a new generation of performers carrying forward the classical canon with remarkable mastery. She has the power to dominate the music, yet handles it with elegance. Lewis is the recipient of a 2022 Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, 2021 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and Grand Prize winner of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Competition. She will perform at 2 p.m. Jan. 26, at the Squitieri Studio Theatre at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $35 and $12 for University of Florida students. To purchase tickets online, visit performingarts.ufl.edu.
Stella Cole
Let this performance transport you to a 1940s jazz club with moody lighting, and the sounds of soft chatter and clinking glasses that fade away as a star takes the stage. Raised on old movies and classic singers, Stella Cole captivates audiences with her soothing renditions of tunes from the Great American Songbook, and a remarkably mature voice reminiscent of Judy Garland. UpStage is an intimate, cabaret-style setting on the Phillips Center Mainstage. The 7 p.m. seating includes heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar; the 9 p.m. seating includes desserts and cash bar. See the show at 7 and 9 p.m. Jan 31, UpStage at the Phillips Center, located at 3201 Hull Road. Tickets are $55 for the 7 p.m. seating, $35 for the 9 p.m. seating, and $12 for University of Florida students. Visit performingarts.ufl.edu for more information.
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